Carl Lindsey Ford

Carl Lindsey Ford is the incumbent Republican State Senator for North Carolina’s 33rd District and is on the ballot for re‑election in the November 3, 2026 general election. The North Carolina Senate is the upper chamber of the General Assembly; senators serve two‑year terms, must be at least 25 years old, and must reside in the district they represent【1】.

Born July 11, 1957 in Kannapolis, NC, Ford grew up in Rowan County and graduated from A.L. Brown High School. He earned a textile certificate from Rowan Technical Community College and attended the North Carolina College of Textiles at Belmont【10】【12】. He is an Eagle Scout and a lifelong member of the City Revival Church in Kannapolis.

Ford’s early career was in manufacturing and entertainment. From 1973‑1982 he worked as a section man at Cannon Mills in Kannapolis, then managed Frye’s Roller Rink in Concord. In 1982 he entered radio, first as a manager at WRKB, later purchasing WRKB and WRNA in 1992 and forming Ford Broadcasting, a station that has earned multiple Golden Mic awards【10】【20】.

His public‑service résumé began with local appointments: seven‑and‑a‑half years on the Rowan County Department of Social Services Board, two years on the Rowan County Planning Board, and service on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners from 2008‑2012, including terms as Vice‑Chair and Chair. He was named Rowan County Republican of the Year in 2007 and 2008【10】.

Ford was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2012, representing the 76th District. He served three terms (2013‑2019) and chaired the Committee on State and Local Government for two sessions. In 2018 he won election to the State Senate, assuming office on January 1, 2019, and has been re‑elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024. He currently serves as the Senate Republican Joint Caucus Leader (2021‑present)【8】【12】.

During his Senate tenure Ford has held numerous committee leadership positions. He chairs the Appropriations Committee on General Government and Information Technology and the Pensions and Retirement and Aging Committee, and serves on the Finance, Rules and Operations, and State and Local Government committees, among others【1】. He has sponsored legislation on a range of issues, including SB 22 (local act for the 33rd district), SB 48 (access to sports and extracurriculars), SB 91 (newborn safety devices), and SB 227 (eliminating DEI in public education)【5】.

Ford’s platform emphasizes limited government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting what he describes as “family values.” He highlights his business background, his record of supporting tax cuts and reduced regulation, and his leadership on expanding the state’s Rainy‑Day Fund and other budgetary measures【11】. He is seeking another two‑year term to continue these priorities for District 33.

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